- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$228
Average price
$228
Fastest journey
18 h 10 m
Average duration
18 h 10 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
464 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from State College, PA to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from State College, PA to Detroit, MI will cost around $228 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $228.
Of the 1 trains that leave State College, PA for Detroit, MI on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 464 km distance in an average of 18 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 10 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 18 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from State College, PA to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $416.
Distance: 288 miles (464 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$220 Average price | $129 Average price Cheapest | $694 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 28m Average total duration 22h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 58m Average total duration 10h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from State College, PA to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $91 (€75) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from State College, PA to Detroit, MI costing on average $220 (€180).
A bus is $565 (€463) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from State College, PA to Detroit, MI costing on average $694 (€568).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 28m.
Train takes on average 22h 58m.
Tickets start at around $220 (€180) compared to roughly $80 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-140.01 (€-114.59). The journey takes 22h 58m versus 5h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for State College, PA to Detroit, MI trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8693 AMTRAK · 43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 6049 AMTRAK | 1:25 PM State College, PA | 18h10 | 7:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from State College, PA to Detroit, MI run on average 1 times per day, taking around 22h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $190 (€155) but you can travel from only $97 (€80) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:35, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 288 miles (464 km) distance in 18h 10m.
Distance 288 miles (464 km) |
Average train duration 22h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $190 (€155) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 18h 10m |
First train 9:35 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from State College, PA to Detroit, MI by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most State College, PA to Detroit, MI trains use the State College, Greyhound Bus Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare State College, PA and Detroit, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Detroit Amtrak is 4 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cuisine Restaurant, New Center Eatery
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Detroit Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Detroit Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Regis, The Inn on Ferry Street, MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need